Altman on Nebraska, Washington and, oh, yes, revenge on LSU?

Oregon coach Dana Altman met with the media on Monday at Matthew Knight Arena. Beyond the normal discussion of Tuesday's game with LSU in the first round of the NIT, there were a couple of questions not involving the upcoming game.

On Washington, the Pac-12 regular season champion, being snubbed by the NCAA: "I was surprised and disappointed for Washington. I was hoping they would get in but the (Pac-12) tournament didn’t go well for a lot of us and I think that changed (Washington's) position and hurt them."

Altman said he hasn't been contacted by anyone about the opening at Nebraska: "You guys are trying to get rid of me already. I’ve only been here two years and you’re already pushing me out the door. I’m the coach at Oregon. Nebraska is my home state and the only person in Nebraska I’ve talked to is my brother, and I don't think he counts. My in-laws want (his wife) Reva back but that’s about it."

On whether his team can avenge the football team's loss to LSU? "I never thought of it that way. That’s a reach. It’s a basketball game that our guys are excited about playing. Maybe I’ll have Chip (Kelly) come in and talk to them to get them ready to go."

Bob Clark is a veteran sports reporter who has covered local and national events for more than 30 years.